About Me
I have had the honor and opportunity of working with individuals, youth and families within a variety of settings since 2008. I have had the pleasure of working with people who vary in age, cultural background, sexual identity and even socioeconomic status. The one commonality is the stress that teens and adults endure living here in the Silicon Valley is much higher than other places around the country. The result of this stress is debilitating expectations, high levels of anxiety and depression, decrease in positive communication, a lack of true and genuine human connection and overall dissatisfaction with life.
If you are a teen or have a teenager I know what you or your child is going through because I have been able to walk through life with them on their school campuses and see first hand the struggles they have while in school. Living here we have much more than just your normal bullying. We have cyber bullying, academic bullying, achievement pressure, social media comparison, expectations of everyone around you and of teenagers themselves all while competing with thousands of other teens for the same spot. I connect well with teenagers because I am able to empathize with what their life struggles are and I am able to meet them where they are at. I love working with teens and love how real each one of them is.
When I'm not doing therapy you'll catch me spending time with my wife, my kiddo and my puppy exploring different areas, hiking, camping, fishing, trying fun new food or spending time with friends and family laughing and being silly. There's also a chance we might be binge watching horror movies or dancing in the kitchen to 90s jams or the Hamilton Soundtrack.
.jpg)
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist California #82585, Colorado #0002230, Ohio #F.2500502 and Oregon #T3147
Master of Arts in Psychology, Chapman University
TEAM CBT certified Level 2
EMDR Trained
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology emphasis in children, youth and families, California State University at San Marcos
EXPERIENCE:
Private Practice Owner:
Working in the private practice setting helping individuals, youth and their families work through a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions and LGBTQ+ issues. (2014 - present)
Clinical Director and Marriage and Family Therapist - Teen Therapy Center of Silicon Valley & Family Therapy Center of Silicon Valley (2019 - 2022)
Clinical Program Manager for Unity Care Group - Supervisor supporting therapists working with foster care youth in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. (2018)
Mental Health Therapist for Miri Center -
School based mental health through Individual Education Plans, helping youth access their education by decreasing mental health struggles. (2016 & 2018)
Wellness Counselor and Clinical Supervisor for San Mateo Union High School District. Individual and group therapy, crisis management, parent/staff/school wide education around common mental health issues. (2016 - 2018)
Mental Health Specialist, Care Coordinator and Facilitator for Starlight Community Services
Focused on probation and at-risk youth. Collaborated with a variety of agencies to help support youth and their families to increase the overall well being and mental heath of youth. (2012-2014)
Marriage & Family Trainee for Monterey County Children's Behavioral Health
Worked within a collaborative at Silver Star Resource Center for youths between the ages of 6-21 who are experiencing difficulties in the areas of gang involvement, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, truancy, employment, mental health and/or family conflict. (2010 - 2012)
Suicide & Crisis Hotline Volunteer /Outreach Coordinator for Santa Cruz County Prevention Line (2008-2010).